Thread by @wrongformat

1) Sleepers Awake!

"Zion hört die Wächter singen/Zion Hears the Watchmen Singing" from "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme/Awake! The Voice Is Calling Us "

J.S. Bach's based his cantata" Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" on Philipp Nicolai's beloved hymn.

2) In 1597, Nicolai's Lutheran congregation in Unna, Wesphalia, was devastated by a Bubonic Plague epidemic that swept through the town like a scythe. Between Jul 1597 & Jan 1598, more than 1,300 died. In those days of constant sorrow, Nicolai's struggled to find reason for hope.

3) Zion hears the watchmen singing,
and in her heart new joy is springing.
She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
For her Lord comes down all-glorious
and strong in Grace, in Truth victorious.
Her star is risen, her light is come!

4) Now come, O Blessed One,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son.
Sing Hosanna!
We answer all in joy your call;
we follow to the wedding hall.

@threadreaderapp unroll 1) Sleepers Awake!